The contrast here is between the sacrifice of the sinner, who hopes to buy favor and be able to continue in his sin without penalty, and the simple prayer of the righteous man, who brings to the Lord the sacrifice of a surrendered heart. The pardon of God is not for sale at any price; it is always a free gift available to all who forsake their sin (see 1 Sam. 15:22; Isa. 1:11; Jer. 6:20).